With input from the Regional Development Australia network, the 2024 State of Australia’s Regions report builds the regional evidence base – supporting the Australian Government’s commitment to targeted, effective and efficient regional investment that works better for people and for regions.
The report takes a look at key issues and opportunities for regions, structured under the four priority areas of the Government’s Regional Investment Framework (RIF): people, places, services, and industries and local economies. It brings together the latest data and local insights on contemporary issues, complementing other resources, like the Progress in Australian Regions and Cities Dashboard, Regional Data Hub and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
It includes RDA case studies, showcasing RDAs’ important role in driving economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship in regions through facilitating investment in community, industry and the environment. RDAs also help to bridge the regional development gaps in regions by working with a broad range of stakeholders across sectors and supporting the delivery of identified Australian Government strategic priorities.
The report demonstrates the Government’s continued focus on supporting regional people, communities and industries to be vibrant, strong and sustainable – now and over the coming decades. Importantly, it also emphasises the importance of listening and responding to local voices, knowledge and priorities of regional Australians.